Problem with Windows 10 ver. 21H1 -- all audio input/output devices missing in Sound settings, red X on volume icon

Anonymous
2021-05-19T09:59:57+00:00

For 2-3 days, I am getting no sound at all from my several audio devices/Windows computer here - I have TWO monitors with HDMI audio, plus headphones jack connected to motherboard audio card. I was able to fix it one time by doing lots of tinkering in Device Manager, but I am unable to replicate the fix a 2nd time.

So, asking here.

System is a desktop PC, running an Intel Core i3 Haswell CPU (2 cores, 4 threads), 16 GB of DDR3 RAM, on a ASUS H81M2 motherboard, GPU is AMD Radeon R9 390 (8 GB). Audio card is the built-in Realtek. 1 Crucial SSD, plus 2 HDDs -- WD and Seagate. Logitech Full HD webcam , Logitech wireless mouse, wired Razer keyboard.

The volume icon in lower right (Notification area) shows with a red X. In Settings of Windows 10 OS, Sounds, NO input or output devices show at all.

No sounds possible in any software, i.e. browser, actual OS does not make the Start Windows sound like it used to/etc.

Also, no recording or voice chat possible with my Logitech webcam (which has a stereo microphone), so no Skype, Viber/etc voice calls.

In Device Manager, nothing shows wrong - all audio, system devices appear to be working fine. In AMD Radeon GPU settings, nothing wrong shows either.

I tried the Windows 10 Sound Troubleshooter, but it unfortunately says it cannot identify the issue.

What can I do to fix this?

(Please do not suggest a reinstall Windows OS or Reset OS, I cannot do those.)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-07-16T00:31:05+00:00

    Hi Nikolai,

    Here is my temporary solution. I have tested it for the past day and it works. I based on the solution provided earlier by user @finderAUT 's script. I had to modify the command line though for the batch file as the sleep command wouldn't work for me. I just created a text file (let's say 2.txt), opened it and put the following lines:

    start ms-settings:easeofaccess-audiotimeout /t 5 /nobreak > nultaskkill /f /im SystemSettings.exe

    I then saved the file and renamed it as 2.bat .

    I opened the run dialog using the windows key + R (Win+R), typed the following command "shell:startup" without quotes then pressed enter. I moved the 2.bat file to the start-up folder then closed the window.

    I then opened the Bluetooth settings in windows (Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices) made sure it was "ON" then added a sound device (headphone or speakers). Made sure the device was connected.

    Restarted Windows and waited until all the start ups were done, including the batch file.

    I pointed then to the audio icon (red with white cross), then Right-Clicked then pressed on "Open Sound Settings". The audio will then activate by itself.

    I know it sounds like a war, but it works for me. The only issue is that the Bluetooth device needs to be "ON" when starting Windows , when all starts up are done, just right click on the audio icon with the red dot and white cross, then click "Open Sound Settings", the audio will be activated.

    This being said, I cannot forgive the OS developers for making us live this technical H377 not only that it was and it is still inconvenient still but made me go through a very tough time with the hardware manufacturer.

    Let me know how this works for you.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-07-15T15:51:06+00:00

    Thank you, I will try to do this.

    Can you advise how I might obtain and send screenshots of the parameters which you have indicated.

    Regards,

    John Moloney

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-07-15T14:17:26+00:00

    I have tried all of the recommendatiobs suggested so far, but without success. I have also rolled back the update - I think- and will attempt to reinstall the Windows 10 update over the weekend in the hope that this might help.

    I appreciate the input. However, at the moment. there continues to be no audio function at all following the Windows 10 update. All suggestions will be welcome.

    John Moloney

    This Ease of access workaround should work, assuming your issue is the same as mine/ours. :)

    If issue is not the same one, then this workaround is not likely to work.

    What motherboard do you use?

    What kind & model of CPU?

    What GPU(s) -- Intel CPU-built in GPU, and/or nVidia or AMD?

    Also, what audio -- do you use mostly (or only) nVidia HDMI/DisplayPort audio, AMD HDMI/DisplayPort audio and/or built-in motherboard audio OR external USB or internal add-on PCI Express audio card/etc?

    I use them all - my AMD Radeon GPU has TWO monitors attached, one has speakers, one not but for 2nd one sound goes into my Microlab stereo speakers. I also have a headphones extension cable sitting on my desk that goes to back of PC (to built-in Realtek audio card) -- sometimes it is used to listen to audio without bothering others i.e. family members sleeping. :)

    Please can you send us some screenshots from your Device Manager Audio devices -- i.e. Sound, video and game controllers section?

    As well as modern Windows OS Settings --- Sound settings?

    Plus also the ones from classic Control Panel -- Input devices, as well as Output devices?

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-07-15T14:08:44+00:00

    I have tried all of the recommendatiobs suggested so far, but without success. I have also rolled back the update - I think- and will attempt to reinstall the Windows 10 update over the weekend in the hope that this might help.

    I appreciate the input. However, at the moment. there continues to be no audio function at all following the Windows 10 update. All suggestions will be welcome.

    John Moloney

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-07-15T13:09:22+00:00

    Nikolai,

    Could you please confirm if you audio works now? Not sure why, mine finally works, but I need to click on the audio settings.

    I did reboot a couple of times and it looks like it does work.

    Cheers.

    OF course it does NOT work! There have been hundreds of replies here up to now, over 4000 views - do you think I would not notify you guys ASAP if it was working? (Rhetorical question!)

    However, my 2nd PC with older CPU -- Intel IvyBridge and my Intel Haswell HP Workstation laptop both work fine, same Windows 10 OS on them.

    On them sounds works fine, I do not need to tinker with anything.

    Please tell me if you have any other questions or comments on this.

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